be-all and end-all

noun

Definition of be-all and end-allnext
as in cause
the most important part of something or the reason for something He acts as if making money is the be-all and end-all of human existence.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of be-all and end-all Don’t let one path be your be-all and end-all. — Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for be-all and end-all
Recent Examples of Synonyms for be-all and end-all
  1. cause
  2. determinant
Noun
  • At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the most popular athletes in the world and even if his presence on the Portuguese national team is cause for international debate, a player like Folarin Balogun has no place in any paragraph with Ronaldo.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Investigators did not disclose further details surrounding the cause and manner of her death.
    — Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • Paine rightly saw that a critical determinant for the success of our new nation and the vitality of its democracy was sustained, active citizen participation in political and social affairs.
    — Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Both parameters were identified as the most important determinants of the fill factor at low voltage losses.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Definition of determinant

Browse Nearby Words

beaks
be-all and end-all
be-all and end-alls
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Cite this Entry

“Be-all and end-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/be-all%20and%20end-all. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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